Testing the blogging waters again
It feels important after stepping away from something for a while, to test the waters again and 'begin somewhere'. It's almost as if I may have forgotten some of my confidence and courage perhaps, or I have fallen back into the snares of some once conquered fears. Either way, I feel like rejoining the blogging community is important to me now more than ever. So, I wanted to reflect just a bit then offer you a healing writing activity for you to try.
The great need for writing
I used to think that blogging was only for the audience, but I'm realizing it's a measure of growth, a way of observing progress, a holding space for where I'm at now and where I am shooting to be. It allows me to contemplate without encumbrances with the vastly open arms of infinity. It seems that there is a validation of my being hidden in the act. Do you write as a healing practice or for some other meaningful reason?
I find that writing also fulfills a very practical purpose too. I have found that the practice of writing opens senses, heals wounds, creates a comforting open space between the heaviness of everyday. I have great depth but also great space within that depth to fill and sometimes I want to simply glide at the surface. Are there things that writing helps reset in you? Are you the type of person who likes to practice moving between the surfaces and depths of thought? If so, how do you do this while ensuring you are honoring yourself along the way?
The recent epiphanies I've had that drew me back into blogging also seemed to open doors to offering others the opportunity to try a writing activity too. If you feel all wound up or sad and forlorn, or blocked in some ways from hearing your inner voice or letting it out, I welcome you to try this simple healing writing activity below.
Sacred balancing writing activity
Sometimes we are so free that we are dizzy, sometimes we are so tethered that we can't breathe. I want to invite you to take a few moments to answer the following questions to help see where you are at today. Please be patient and honest with yourself as you answer. Make room by opening a notepad or Microsoft Word and copying the questions and pasting them there so you can take up all of the space needed.
Also let the answers flow in whatever way they seem to need to flow, no need for edited perfection, decorum, or even real words. If you sit and punch the keys or tap a rhythm on them instead of words that is perfectly fine. Or if you curse or talk to yourself that is okay too. Any of this type of writing is okay. It still speaks volumes either way.
At the end we will work into a healing reflection based on what you learned.
Okay, so here we go, I invite you to 'feel' the answers and write them down or work through them whatever way you need:
I want to invite you to consciously take a few minutes with yourself and for yourself. Turn off other distractions and close doors as needed to allow yourself to feel you are not pressed to rush or keep anyone else's pace.
Once you are alone, witness how you feel. Are you emotional and on the verge of tears or angry enough to burst? Are you in Zen or at peace? Be very patient and kind to yourself as you think of the answer.
Now, come to the notepad or Microsoft Word page where you will write. I want to invite you to take some time to sit with the document as if you were alone with the dearest companion or most trusted friend you ever knew, silent and ready to listen and receive your every word. Allow yourself to feel the trusted safety of this space and the openness with which it welcomes you to share. Let the words tumble out slowly or fast, let them slip from your heart through your hands and onto the page unencumbered.
Now answer the questions below to try to unravel anything that is rusty or hinged:
How are you doing? (take your time answering--it's your time and it's okay)...
No, really...How are you doing...(I'm really here to witness)...?
I'm truly ready to listen...is there more share?... feel free to dump it I'm game...I've got the coffee on and it's hot!
Here's a tissue and a hug dearie... Now, take just a few good deep breaths and ask yourself: How ca things can get better from here? Take your time writing about it. If nothing comes yet it's okay.
Next, reflect in writing on one small simple thing you can do to take care of yourself. (I encourage you to keep it simple on purpose so you can do it easily after this writing activity). What would help you along? How can you make it an okay day from here?
Final reflection:
When you are ready come back to this activity and re-read what you wrote? Then feel free to ask yourself the following questions?
What did you learn about yourself and your struggles through this act of writing?
Were you surprised by what you wrote? If so, what surprised you and why was it unexpected?
Do you feel embraced along the way as you tried this activity? If not, how could you have made yourself feel even more comfortable with writing out your thoughts and feelings?
How did writing help you to heal through the stressors of the day? If so, how will you remind yourself to continue this practice as you go on?
After the activity
Okay, now we are going to wrap up our little chat. Let's do that by taking a few more deep and wonderfully healing breaths, get yourself a comfortable pair of slippers, a cup of something pleasant to drink and a little blanket. Now, sit by the best seat in the house and rest your weary head for as long as you need before going back out there, take it at a pace and give yourself the space....if you thought of one thing you could do to comfort yourself in the activity above, plan to do that one thing for yourself sometime today (even now if possible). Remind yourself that everything is going to be okay in your own simple way.
Acknowledge yourself for some wonderful self work and self care.
